Vibratory molding process and product

ABSTRACT

A fastener strip is disclosed having a permanently sealed, airtight portion and a reclosable portion capable of maintaining an airtight seal when closed. The permanently sealed portion is generally planar and essentially impervious to air flow. The reclosable portion includes a ridge and a trough joined at their adjacent ends to a plug, which prevents air from leaking from the adjacent end of the reclosable portion. Additionally, a dam joins the plug to the first backing in an essentially airtight seal, and joins the plug to the second backing in an essentially airtight seal. A method and apparatus for sealing portions of a thermoplastic fastener strip are also disclosed. A method is additionally disclosed for vibrating and molding thermoplastic materials in which a flow of malleable thermoplastic material is initiated and molded with an effectively dimensioned vibrator that is unitary with a first matrix for guiding and molding the malleable polymer.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates generally to a process for permanently sealing portions of reclosable fastener strips that includes the use of a vibrating horn to heat and mold the fastener strip. The invention also relates generally to an apparatus for permanently sealing portions of reclosable fastener strips and to reclosable fastener strips that include permanently sealed airtight portions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Reclosable fastener strips are widely used in the packaging industry as components for reclosable plastic bags, among other things. Typically, the fastener strips are manufactured in long, continuous lengths that are wound on reels or accordion-folded in boxes for storage and shipping.

[0003] These continuous lengths are usually subsequently cut to a size suitable for attaching to individual bags on, for example, a form and fill machine. The fastener strips are normally composed of thermoplastic materials, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene vinyl acetate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinylidene fluoride, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene or the like. For example, the fastener strips often include backings comprised of a polyethylene-ethylene vinyl acetate blend. The backings often include a profile portion having ridges and trough composed of polyethylene terephthalate. A representative fastener strip of the prior art is depicted in FIGS. 17-19.

[0004] In order for the cut end of the fastener strip to seal against air leakage in or out of the reclosable bag, the end must be closed off in some manner. Also, the closed-off portion should be thinned and flattened to facilitate the cutting operation. Adhesives and thermal welds, notably “spot seals,” have been utilized in the past. However, neither of these techniques is entirely reliable, and both of these techniques tend to deform or obstruct portions of the fastener strips that are intended to remain unaffected and, therefore, reclosable.

[0005] Vibratory welding processes, including sonic and ultrasonic processes also have been used in the manufacture of reclosable thermoplastic plastic bags, as well as other thermoplastic work pieces using known power supplies, transducers, boosters, and harmonically balanced horns. Conventional horns used in these processes are of several different types. These types include flat horns, knurled horns, and reversed knurled horns. However, each one of these horns has two major drawbacks. One drawback is that these horns typically imprint an undesirable contour on vibrated regions of the thermoplastic work piece. The other drawback is these horns often deform nearby unvibrated portions of the thermoplastic work piece. For example, previously disclosed horns typically deform thermoplastic fastener strips in reclosable portions that adjoin the vibrated region. This deformation creates gaps that prevent the fastener strips from forming an airtight seal.

[0006] Ultrasonic processes are also employed to reduce the thickness of thermoplastic fastener strips to facilitate cutting and sealing the thermoplastic fastener strips and associated bags. These previously disclosed processes cannot be relied upon to create an airtight seal, because the prior art ultrasonic horns typically a) imprint an undesirable contour on vibrated regions of the bag so as to create leaks, and b) deform nearby unvibrated portions of the thermoplastic work piece.

[0007] Therefore, a need exists for a new process for permanently sealing portions of reclosable thermoplastic fastener strips. Desirably, the new process provides an airtight seal in both the vibrated and unvibrated portions of the fastener strip.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention provides a fastener strip having a permanently sealed, airtight portion and a reclosable portion capable of maintaining an airtight seal when closed. The permanently sealed portion is generally planar and essentially impervious to air flow. The reclosable portion includes a ridge and a trough joined at their adjacent ends to a plug, which prevents air from leaking from the adjacent end of the reclosable portion. Additionally, a dam joins the plug to a first backing in an essentially airtight seal, and joins the plug to a second backing in an essentially airtight seal.

[0009] The invention also provides a method for sealing portions of a thermoplastic fastener strip. The method includes vibrating a portion of a conventional, thermoplastic fastener strip, which is capable of maintaining an airtight seal, so as to produce a malleable portion. A first matrix is pressed against the malleable portion to produce a first shape, and a second matrix is pressed against the malleable portion to produce a second shape for permanently sealing a portion of the fastener strip. Preferably, a dual-purpose vibrator/matrix is utilized to vibrate the fastener strip and produce the first shape. In addition, the first and second shapes are also enhanced by other matrices at separate stages.

[0010] Pressing the malleable portion to produce the first shape may include flattening the malleable portion and displacing at least some of the malleable portion to produce an essentially airtight plug. The plug joins the planar portion in an essentially airtight seal and joins the adjacent end of the reclosable portion in an essentially airtight seal.

[0011] Pressing the malleable portion to produce the second shape may include further flattening the malleable portion and displacing at least some of the malleable portion to produce an essentially airtight dam. The dam joins the plug to a first backing of the reclosable portion in an airtight seal and, also, joins the plug to a second backing of the reclosable portion.

[0012] The invention also provides an apparatus for sealing portions of a fastener strip. The apparatus includes a vibrator for vibrating a portion of the fastener strip so as to increase the malleability of the portion, a first matrix constructed and arranged for pressing against the malleable portion to produce a first shape for sealing the fastener; and a second matrix constructed and arranged for pressing against the malleable portion to produce a second shape for sealing the fastener.

[0013] In a broader aspect, the invention is an ultrasonic polymer forming process for thermoplastic materials in which the improvement includes guiding the flow of malleable polymer to a predetermined location with an effectively dimensioned vibrator that is unitary with a first matrix for guiding and molding the malleable polymer. For example, the predetermined location may be a location in which additional polymer is desired to render the area stronger or more aesthetically pleasing, or to fill any gaps.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014]FIG. 1 is a truncated perspective view of a fastener strip of the present invention;

[0015]FIG. 2 is an elevation view of the fastener strip depicted in FIG. 1;

[0016]FIG. 3 is a cross-section taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2;

[0017]FIG. 4 is a cross-section taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 2;

[0018]FIG. 5 is a cross-section taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 2;

[0019]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a first stage of an apparatus of the present invention;

[0020]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a vibrator of the present invention;

[0021]FIG. 8 is an end view of the vibrator depicted in FIG. 7;

[0022]FIG. 9 is a partial cross-section of the vibrator taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 8;

[0023]FIG. 10 is an elevation of the first shape, which is produced by the first stage;

[0024]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a second stage, a third stage, a fourth stage and a fifth stage of the apparatus depicted in FIG. 6;

[0025]FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a die for the second stage of the present invention;

[0026]FIG. 13 is an elevation of a second shape, which is produced by the second stage;

[0027]FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a die for the third stage of the present invention;

[0028]FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a die for the fourth stage of the present invention;

[0029]FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a tensioner of the present invention;

[0030]FIG. 17 is a plan view of a prior art fastener strip, including two backings;

[0031]FIG. 18 is an elevation view of one of the prior art backings depicted in FIG. 15; and

[0032]FIG. 19 is an elevation view of the other of the prior art backings depicted in FIG. 15.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the invention includes a fastener strip such as fastener strip 100 depicted in FIG. 1. Fastener strip 100 includes at least one reclosable portion 120 and at least one permanently sealed, generally planar portion 140. Although the perspective view shown in FIG. 1 is necessarily truncated, due to space limitations, it is contemplated that fastener strip 100 may be wound on a reel or accordion-folded in a box for convenient shipping and storage and include hundreds or even thousands of reclosable portions 120 and generally planar portions 140.

[0034] Reclosable portion 120 includes first backing 122 and troughs 124, which typically extends lengthwise along fastener strip 100. Reclosable portion 120 also includes second backing 126 and ridges 128 for mating with troughs 124 in an airtight, reclosable seal that essentially prevents air flow from one side of the seal to the other. Flap or flange 127 conveniently extends from second back 122 to an exterior side of fastener 100 in order to protect trough 124 and ridge 128 from damage and to facilitate a user's grip for opening fastener strip 100.

[0035] The relative positions of troughs 124 and ridges 128 are depicted in FIG. 1 are arbitrary and need not be as shown for the invention to succeed. Also, either first backing 122 or second backing 126 may be positioned on the exterior side of fastener strip 100 and either of the backings 122, 124 may extend in the form of a flange, such as flange 127. The thicknesses of backings 122, 124 are often in the range of about 10 to 20 thousandths of an inch and the heights of trough 124 and ridge 128 are often in the range of about 50 to 100 thousandths of an inch. The invention however is not limited to these ranges.

[0036] Commonly, the thickness of planar portion 140 is about the thickness of one of the backings 122, 124 to about the combined thickness of both of the backings. Planar portion 140 is essentially free of mating ridges and troughs, such as trough 124 and ridge 128, and includes essentially no void spaces.

[0037] Plug 160 joins troughs 124 and ridges 128 in an airtight seal at adjacent end 130 of reclosable portion 120. Troughs 124 and ridges 128 define longitudinal interstitial voids (best seen in FIG. 3) that communicate hydraulically lengthwise along reclosable portion 120. Even if troughs 124 and ridges 128 mate effectively so as to prevent air flow between them from one side of fastener 100 to the other (for example, from the interior side of fastener strip 100 to the exterior of fastener strip 100), the ends of trough 124 and ridge 128 must be sealed to prevent air from flowing longitudinally through these voids and passing through end 130. Plug 160 provides this seal.

[0038] Dam 180 joins plug 160 to first backing 122 and to second backing 126 as depicted in FIG. 1. Dam 180 is essentially impervious to air flow and forms airtight seals where it meets plug 160, first backing 122 and second backing 126, respectively. A primary purpose of dam 160 is to prevent air one side of fastener strip 100 from leaking around plug 160 to the other side of fastener 100.

[0039] The relationship of plug 160 to dam 180 is best seen in FIG. 2. FIG. 2 shows how plug 160 seals end 130 of reclosable portion 120 to prevent longitudinal interstitial voids from passing air through end 130. Dam 180 joins and seals the backings 122, 126 with plug 160 and planar portion 140. Lines 3-3, 4-4 and 5-5 correspond to cross-sections depicted in FIGS. 3-5.

[0040] Inspection of FIGS. 1-3 indicate that line 3-3 of FIG. 2 is at or near end 130. As can be seen in FIG. 3, trough 124 and ridge 128 define interstitial voids that are sealed by plug 160. The view in FIG. 3 looks away from planar portion 140 and toward reclosable portion 120. Longitudinal interstitial voids can be seen in cross-section, with plug 160 filling the voids. Significantly, FIG. 3 shows that trough 124 and ridge 128 are not significantly deformed at line 3-3 and, therefore, are capable of creating an airtight, reclosable seal across fastener strip 100. FIG. 3 is representative of reclosable portion 120, except that plug 160 covers over and/or infiltrates the interstitial voids.

[0041] The view in FIG. 4 is in the same direction as that of FIG. 3, but from a position closer to planar portion 140. Only vestiges of trough 124 and ridge 128 are apparent, and these are essentially filled by plug 160. FIG. 4 is representative of plug 160, except that the vestiges are present.

[0042]FIG. 5 shows a relatively flattened and homogeneous cross-section, as compared to FIGS. 3 and 4. No vestiges of trough 124 and ridge 128 are visible. FIG. 5 represents the juncture of dam 180 with planar portion 140.

[0043] Turning now to FIGS. 17-19, prior art fastener strip 10 includes first backing 22, having a plurality of longitudinal troughs 24 thereon, and second backing 126, which has a plurality of longitudinal ridges 28 and flap or flange 27. At least one of the troughs 24 reclosably mates with one of the ridges 28 to produce an essentially airtight seal that prevents air leakage between interior and the exterior sides of fastener strip 10.

[0044] Longitudinal interstitial voids commonly exist between trough 24 and ridge 28. While the voids do not necessarily interfere with the airtight seal between the sides of fastener strip 10, the voids permit air flow longitudinally along trough 24 and ridge 28. Fastener strip 10 is composed of a material that becomes progressively more fluid with increasing temperature, hereinafter referred to as a “thermoplastic” material.

[0045]FIG. 6 depicts first stage 256 of apparatus 200 of the present invention for sealing portions of a prior art fastener strip, such as thermoplastic fastener strip 10 shown in FIGS. 17-19. First stage 256 of apparatus 200 includes vibrator 220 for vibrating a portion of fastener strip 10 to produce a relatively more malleable portion 212, best seen in FIG. 9. FIG. 6 also shows anvil 230, which supports fastener strip 10 from below during the vibrating, and four pneumatic piston and cylinder assemblies 202. The use of four pneumatic pistons 202 assures that the anvil 230 is properly aligned and level, and also helps direct more of the energy from vibrator 220 to the fastener strip, rather than causing the anvil 230 to vibrate. First stage 256 is positioned at location 258, which is a short distance away from stages 276, 296, 316 and 320 (best seen FIG. 11) of apparatus 200.

[0046] Vibrator 220, illustrated in FIG. 7, includes pneumatic actuator 231, ultrasonic horn or resonator 233 and first matrix 240. Actuator 231 receives compressed air and provides energy to vibrator 220 in the form of mechanical vibrations in the range of about 10,000 to about 100,000 cycles per second, more preferably at least about 20,000 cycles per second. Horn or resonator 233 focuses and intensifies the vibrations at first matrix 240, which is a single, integral unit with horn 233.

[0047] Horn 233 is also known as a solid resonator, a concentrator, or a mechanical amplifier. Horn 233 is dimensioned to be resonant at a predetermined frequency of vibration. When horn 233 is energized at its proximal input surface by an actuator 231, it provides ultrasonic energy (vibrations) at its opposite distal end to a workpiece that is in forced contact with the distal end.

[0048] As depicted in FIGS. 7-9, first matrix 240 is the distal end of horn 233. Alternatively, first matrix 246 can be constructed as a separate die and securely mounted on the distal end of horn 233. It is believed that fashioning first matrix 240 integrally with horn 23, rather than as a separate die mounted on horn 233, tends to promotes efficient and reproducible transmission of the vibrations. In either case, first matrix 240 is located at the distal end of horn 233 and can be utilized to press and mold a thermoplastic substrate, such as fastener strip 10, while vibrator 220 is vibrating.

[0049] Details of first matrix 240 are presented in FIG. 8. First matrix 240 includes a planar face 246 having cutouts 248, 250. Groove 252 of approximately semicircular cross-section extends across face 246 from cutout 248 to cutout 250. FIG. 8 illustrates that groove 252 is generally linear along the longitudinal axis of fastener strip 10 and that cutouts 248, 250 are each generally symmetrical and aligned along a shared axis of symmetry. The groove axis and the cutout axis are offset and generally parallel to each other. During use, the groove axis is aligned with and positioned directly over trough 24 and ridge 28.

[0050]FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along the groove axis of FIG. 8. It is evident from FIG. 9 that horn 233 is unitary with matrix 240. Cutouts 248 and 250 each include a transition volume 251, 253 having a depth that increases as distance from groove 252 increases. Each cutout 248, 250 has an arcuate cross-section, with the arcs positioned convexly to each other.

[0051] During use, first matrix 240 is placed over fastener strip 10, with groove axis 252, trough 24 and ridge 28 generally aligned. Moveable anvil 230 includes a generally planar face 23 that supports fastener strip 10 from below. Alternatively, fastener strip 10 may be placed between two vibrators 220 (not shown) for vibrating and pressing between two first matrices 240 (not shown).

[0052]FIG. 9 depicts vibrator 220 as it initially impinges on fastener 10. At this time, the tension on fastener strip 10 is carefully controlled by a conventional tensioner. For example, dancer roller assembly 216 depicted in FIG. 15 are suitable for tensioning fastener strip 10. Additionally, as seen as FIG. 16, fastener 10 has been preheated by means of preheaters 217 and 219 to a temperature greater than room temperature and less than the melting range or index of the thermoplastic material that composes fastener 10 so as to remove, curl, and facilitate molding. As pneumatic assemblies 202 (best seen in FIG. 6) apply calibrated force to elevated anvil 230, the pressure that face 246 applies to fastener strip 10 and the distance between face 246 and face 236 are carefully controlled. Preferably, face 246 presses upon fastener strip 10 with a force of from 10 to 500 pounds per square inch, ideally about 70 pounds per square inch. Preferably, face 246 and face 236 are not permitted to touch.

[0053] Vibrator 220 vibrates a portion of fastener strip 10 so as to generate internal friction within fastener strip 10, causing a portion 212 of fastener strip to become relatively more malleable. The temperature of the vibrated portion often increases during the vibrating. The pressure exerted by first matrix 240 tends to displace some of the malleable portion in predictable directions. For example, the depth of transition volumes 251, 253 and the depth of groove 252 are calculated to displace a certain amount of the malleable portion along groove 252, and displace a certain amount of the malleable portion to or from the transition volumes 251, 253. Malleable material is also displaced transversely from the groove axis as first matrix 240 flattens the region between cutouts 248, 250.

[0054] First matrix 240 is properly shaped to press and extrude the displaced material in desired directions and, also, to mold and retain the displaced material at desired destinations. Preferably, the material displaced by first matrix 240 forms plug 160 or dam 180 of fastener strip 100 of the present invention; most preferably plug 160. The result is a product having first shape 242, depicted in FIG. 10, which significantly differs from the shape of fastener strip 10.

[0055] Referring now to FIG. 10, first shape 242 includes flattened portion 142, elongated hump 144 and a curved portion abutting end 130 of reclosable portion 120. Hump 144 corresponds to the shape of groove 252. The curved portion corresponds to the shape of transition volumes 251, 253. First shape 242 facilitates sealing, and is sufficiently similar to the shape of fastener strip 10 so as to be reproducibly molded by vibrating and pressing in a single stage, as described above.

[0056]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of second stage 276, third stage 296, fourth stage 316 and fifth stage 320 of apparatus 200. Each of these stages is located a short distance from each other at locations 278, 298, 318 and 320, respectively. Each of these stages respectively has a dedicated pneumatic piston and cylinder assembly 261, 281, 301, 321 that forces an anvil down upon the fastener strip. Second stage 276, third stage 296, and fourth stage 316 are pressing stages that utilize dies 266, 286, 306 to support the fastener strip from beneath.

[0057] As with first stage 256, the temperature, pressure, time and distance between die faces 266, 286, 306 and respectively associated anvils are carefully controlled. The optimum combination of these factors depends on the precise nature of the fastener strip and the specifications of the finished seal portion. However, die temperatures of about 350 to about 400 degrees F. and pressures of about 60 to about 80 pounds per square inch have been employed successfully in pressing stages 276, 296, 316 with a pressing time of about half a second. Fifth stage 320 cools the finished product, which is fastener strip 100. Also shown in FIG. 11 is conveyor belt 321 which intermittently advances fastener strip 100. Conveyor belt 321 is preferably constructed of a silicone blend to resist heat, but also has a surface 323 which sticks to or retains fastener strip 100 when it is heated sufficiently to be tacky. The fastener strip when it is heated in malleable-like taffy, but the tension on conveyor belt 321 and thereof fastener strip 100 is carefully controlled preferably by a servo motor. As a result, the fastener strip 100 remains in its original size and configuration, except where it is shaped by die faces 266, 286 and 306.

[0058]FIG. 12 shows die 264, which is typically utilized at second stage 276. Die 264 includes generally planar face 266 and a pair of oppositely located arcuate cutouts 268, 270, which are positioned with their convex sides facing each other. As compared to cutouts 248, 250 of first stage 256, cutouts 268, 270 are positioned closer together and have greater radii. As seen in FIG. 11, silicone coated stripper plate 264A is positioned between face 266 and fastener strip 100, to facilitate separation of face 266 from fastener strip 100 after compression. Consequently, only stripper plate 266 of die 260 touches first shape 242. Pressing die 264 against first shape 242 causes flattened portion 142 and hump 144 to become further flattened. Additionally, die 264 displaces material toward adjacent end 130, which ultimately forms dam 180. Preferably, plug 160 is not significantly affected by die 264.

[0059] The action of die 264 on first shape 242 produces second shape 262, which is depicted in FIG. 13. Flattened portion 146 is thinner, as compared to hump 144. Preferably, dam 180 is formed primarily by material displaced by die 264 and extends from backings 122 and 126 and partially surrounds plug 160.

[0060] Overall flatness of the finished fastener strip, such as fastener strip 100, is an important requirement for many fastening applications. Third stage 296 works with die 284, as depicted in FIG. 14, to generally flatten backings 122, 126 of fastener strip 100 and ensure that reclosable portion 120 and planar portion 140 are coplanar. Face 286 defines longitudinal channel 284, which is significantly deeper and wider than groove 252. Accordingly, die 284 has relatively little effect on plug 160 or dam 180. Third stage 296 produces third shape 282, which is similar to the shape of fastening strip 100. Again, a stripper plate 284A is utilized to facilitate separation after compression.

[0061] Die 304 has a generally planar face 306 with cutouts 308, 310 and is similar to die 262, except that cutouts 308, 310 are positioned closer together and have greater radii than cutouts 268, 270. When pressed against third shape 282 under proper conditions of pressure, temperature and spacing, die 304 completes planar portion 140 and produces fourth shape 302, which is the shape of fastener strip 100. Fifth stage 316 cools fastener strip 100 so that it may be more conveniently transported and packaged. Again, a stripper plate 304A is utilized to facilitate separation. After the shaping of fastener strip 100 is completed, conveyor belt 321 advances the fastener strip to a second conveyor 101. As it cools, fastener strip 100 no longer adheres to belt 100, so it can be removed without stretching or distortion. The lack of tension on fastener strip 100 is crucial to maintaining the dimensions and configuration of the fastener strip 100. Fastener strip 100 is then advanced by second conveyor 101 to a take up reel 103, again maintaining minimum tension and compression of the fastener strip 100.

[0062] The invention also provides a method for sealing portions of a thermoplastic fastener strip, which process will now be described. The invention is not limited to the described process, starting materials, equipment or products.

[0063] A prior art fastener strip, such as fastener strip 10 is the starting material. A tensioning assembly, such as a dancer roller assembly 216 depicted in FIG. 16, is suitable for tensioning fastener strip 10. Dancer roller assembly 216 applies a precise tension to fastener strip 100, as will be appreciated and understood by practitioners. Fastener 100 is preheated by preheaters 217 and 219 to a temperature warmer than room temperature and cooler the melting point or index of the thermoplastic material that composes fastener strip 100. For example, a temperature in the range of about 120° to about 130 degrees F. is often useful. Control of temperature and tension prevents distortion of the fastener strip 100. Fastener strip 100 is then advanced by conveyor belt 321.

[0064] A portion of fastener strip 10 is vibrated between a vibrator and an anvil at a first stage. The vibrating is effective to increase the malleability of the portion, as compared to the malleability of fastener strip 100 before vibrating. A first matrix is pressed against the malleable portion to produce a first shape. The pressing may be carried out simultaneously with the vibrating. Second matrix, third and fourth matrices are subsequently pressed against the malleable portion to produce a second shape, a third shape and a fourth shape, respectively. Each pressing is accomplished in a separate stage at a different location. The fastener strip may be heated before or during the stages. The finished fastener strip is cooled to room temperature and may then be wound on a spindle or roll for later use by the bag converter, again at a precise tension to avoid distortion.

[0065] The vibrator oscillates in contact with the fastener strip at a frequency of about 10,000 to about 100,000 cycles per second, preferably at least about 20,000 cycles per second. As described above, the vibrator includes an actuator, a resonator or horn, and a first matrix, which is unitary with the horn. The vibrator is positioned over the fastener strip and an anvil is positioned under and in contact with the fastener strip. Preferably, the vibrator does not touch the anvil. Alternatively, two or more vibrators may be brought in to contact with the fastener strip with the fastener strip positioned between the vibrators.

[0066] While only a few, preferred embodiments and aspects of the invention have been described above, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that these embodiments and aspects may be modified and altered without departing from the central spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the preferred embodiments and aspects described above are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced herein. 

We claim:
 1. A method for sealing portions of a thermoplastic fastener strip, which method comprises the steps of: providing a thermoplastic fastener strip; vibrating a portion of the fastener strip so as to increase the malleability of said portion, as compared to the malleability of the fastener strip before vibrating; pressing a first matrix against the malleable portion to produce a first shape; and pressing a second matrix against the malleable portion to produce a second shape.
 2. The method of claim 1 in which the vibrating is caused by an oscillating vibrator in contact with the fastener strip.
 3. The method of claim 2 in which the vibrator vibrates at a frequency which produces a measurable increase in the temperature of the vibrated portion.
 4. The method of claim 2 in which the vibrator oscillates at a frequency of at least about 20,000 cycles per second.
 5. The method of claim 2 in which the vibrator includes a generally planar face having a plurality of cutouts and a groove extending from one of the cutouts to another of the cutouts.
 6. The method of claim 2 in which the vibrator is positioned over the fastener strip and an anvil is positioned under and in contact with the fastener strip.
 7. The method of claim 6 in which the vibrator does not touch the anvil during the vibrating.
 8. The method of claim 1 in which the vibrating is caused by two or more oscillating vibrators in contact with the fastener strip, one of the vibrators positioned over and in contact with the fastener strip and the other of the vibrators positioned under and in contact with the fastener strip.
 9. The method of claim 1 in which the first matrix is pressed against the malleable portion at a first location to produce the first shape, the malleable portion is subsequently transferred to a second location and the second matrix is pressed against the malleable portion at the second location to produce the second shape.
 10. The method of claim 1 in which the vibrating and the first matrix to produce the first shape are performed at the same location.
 11. The method of claim 1 in which the first matrix is pressed against the malleable portion, the malleable portion is subsequently heated and the second matrix is then pressed against the malleable portion.
 12. The method of claim 1 which includes heating the fastener strip to a temperature warmer than room temperature and cooler than the melting range of the fastener strip before the vibrating.
 13. The method of claim 1 which includes tensioning the fastener strip and maintaining the tension during sealing of the portions of the fastener strip.
 14. The method of claim 1 which includes pressing a third matrix against the malleable portion to produce a third shape.
 15. The method of claim 1 in which each of the matrices includes a die, and at least one of the dies has a generally planar face and a plurality of cutouts.
 16. The method of claim 15 in which at least one of the dies has a generally planar face and a channel extending substantially across the face.
 17. A method for making a fastener strip having a permanently sealed, airtight portion adjacent a reclosable portion that is essentially airtight when fastened, which method comprises the steps of: providing a reclosable thermoplastic fastener strip that is essentially airtight when fastened; vibrating a portion of the fastener strip so as to increase the malleability of said portion, as compared to the malleability of the fastener strip before vibrating, the malleable portion being adjacent an end of a reclosable portion; pressing the malleable portion to produce a generally planar portion that is essentially airtight; displacing at least some of the malleable portion to produce an essentially airtight plug that joins the planar portion in an essentially airtight seal, which extends from the planar portion to the adjacent end of the reclosable portion and joins the adjacent end of the reclosable portion in an essentially airtight seal; and cooling the fastener strip to make a fastener strip having a permanently sealed, airtight portion adjacent a reclosable portion that is essentially airtight when fastened.
 18. The method of claim 17 in which the reclosable portion includes: a) an elongated first backing, including a trough extending lengthwise along the first backing; and b) an elongated second backing, including a ridge extending lengthwise along the second backing, the ridge removably insertable into the trough to essentially prevent air flow across the trough; and the planar portion includes essentially no ridge and essentially no trough; said method including the steps of joining the ridge of the reclosable portion and the trough of the reclosable portion at the adjacent end of the reclosable portion so as to create the a plug in the seal that prevents air from leaking from the adjacent end of the reclosable portion.
 19. The method of claim 18 which includes displacing at least some of the malleable portion to produce an essentially airtight dam that joins the plug to the first backing in an essentially airtight seal, and joins the plug to the second backing in an essentially airtight seal.
 20. The method of claim 17 in which displacing the malleable portion includes pressing a first matrix against the malleable portion to produce a first shape.
 21. The method of claim 20 in which plug is formed by pressing the first matrix against the malleable portion.
 22. The method of claim 17 in which displacing the malleable portion includes pressing a second matrix against the malleable portion to produce a second shape.
 23. The method claim 22 in which the dam is formed by pressing the second matrix against the malleable portion.
 24. An apparatus for sealing portions of a fastener strip, which apparatus comprises: a vibrator for vibrating a portion of the fastener strip so as to increase the malleability of said portion, as compared to the malleability of the fastener strip before vibrating; a first matrix constructed and arranged for pressing against the malleable portion to produce a first shape for sealing the fastener; and a second matrix constructed and arranged for pressing against the malleable portion to produce a second shape for sealing the fastener.
 25. The apparatus of claim 24 in which the vibrator oscillates in contact with the fastener strip.
 26. The apparatus of claim 24 in which the vibrator is suitable for vibrating at a frequency which produces a measurable increase in the temperature of the vibrated portion.
 27. The apparatus of claim 24 in which the vibrator is suitable for oscillating at a frequency of at least about 20,000 cycles per second.
 28. The apparatus of claim 24 in which the vibrator includes a generally planar face having a plurality of cutouts and a groove extending from one of the cutouts to another of the cutouts so as to facilitate flow of thermoplastic material.
 29. The apparatus of claim 24 in which the vibrator includes is positioned over the fastener strip and an anvil is positioned under and in contact with the fastener strip so as to facilitate sealing.
 30. The apparatus of claim 29 in which the vibrator does not touch the anvil during the vibrating.
 31. The apparatus of claim 24 in which the vibrator includes two or more ultrasonic horns in contact with the fastener strip, one of the horns being positioned over and in contact with the fastener strip and the other of the horns being positioned under and in contact with the fastener strip.
 32. The apparatus of claim 24 in which includes a first stage at a first location for pressing the first matrix against the malleable portion, and a second stage at a second location for pressing the second matrix against the malleable portion so as to produce the second shape.
 33. The apparatus of claim 24 in which the first stage is suitable for the vibrating and the malleable portion pressing so as to produce the first shape.
 34. The apparatus of claim 24 which comprises a heater for pre-heating the fastener strip.
 35. The apparatus of claim 24 and comprising a tensioner for tensioning the fastener strip.
 36. The apparatus of claim 24 which comprises a third matrix for pressing against the malleable portion so as to produce a third shape.
 37. The apparatus of claim 24 in which each of the matrices includes a die, and at least one of the dies has a generally planar face and a plurality of cutouts.
 38. The apparatus of claim 37 in which the first matrix includes a die that is unitary with the vibrator.
 39. The apparatus of claim 37 in which at least one of the dies has a generally planar face and a channel extending substantially across the face for pressing the fastener strip so as to form a generally planar portion and for displacing at least some of the malleable portion beyond the planar portion so as to form an airtight seal.
 40. An apparatus for sealing a portion of a reclosable thermoplastic fastener strip that is essentially airtight when fastened, the fastener strip comprising: a) an elongated first backing, including a trough extending lengthwise along the first backing; and b) an elongated second backing, including a ridge extending lengthwise along the second backing, the ridge removably insertable into the trough to essentially prevent air flow across the trough; the apparatus comprising: a vibrator for vibrating a portion of the fastener strip so as to produce a portion that is relatively more malleable, as compared to the malleability of the fastener strip before vibrating, the malleable portion being adjacent an end of a reclosable remainder portion of the fastener strip; and at least one matrix for pressing against the malleable portion so as to produce a planar portion that includes essentially no ridge and essentially no trough and to displace at least some of the malleable portion to form a plug which joins the ridge of the reclosable portion and the trough of the reclosable portion at the adjacent end in an airtight seal that prevents air from leaking from the adjacent end.
 41. The apparatus of claim 40 which comprises a second matrix for displacing at least some of the malleable portion displacing at least some of the malleable portion to produce an essentially airtight dam that joins the plug to the first backing of the reclosable portion in an essentially airtight seal, and joins the plug to the second backing of the reclosable portion in an essentially airtight seal.
 42. The apparatus of claim 40 which comprises a cooler for cooling the fastener strip.
 43. An apparatus for vibrating a portion of a thermoplastic fastener strip, which apparatus comprises: a vibrator suitable for oscillating at a frequency in the range of normal human hearing or higher, the vibrator including a generally planar face having a plurality of spaced apart cutouts; and a groove extending from one of the cutouts to another of the cutouts, the groove sized to receive a portion of a fastener strip including thermoplastic material and to displace a predetermined volume of the material along the fastener strip when the vibrator is oscillated and pressed into the fastener strip.
 44. The apparatus of claim 43 in which the groove is sized appropriately for the vibrator to displace the volume of material when the vibrator is oscillated and pressed into the fastener strip with a predetermined pressure.
 45. The apparatus of claim 43 in which the groove is sized appropriately for the vibrator to displace the volume of material when the vibrator is oscillated and positioned at a predetermined distance from the fastener strip.
 46. The apparatus of claim 43 in which the cutouts are generally arcuate in section and spaced apart at a predetermined distance, each of the cutouts arching toward the other of the cutouts.
 47. The apparatus of claim 43 in which at least one of the cutouts includes a transition volume having a depth which increases as a function of distance from the groove.
 48. The apparatus of claim 43 in which the groove has a depth which decreases as a function of distance from the closest of the cutouts.
 49. The apparatus of claim 43 in which the vibrator is suitable for pneumatically actuated oscillation at frequencies in the range of about 10,000 to about 100,000 cycles per second.
 50. The apparatus of claim 47 in which the fastener strip includes an elongated first backing having a longitudinally extending trough; and an elongated second backing having longitudinally extending ridge, the ridge removably insertable into the trough to essentially prevent air flow across the trough.
 51. The apparatus of claim 50 in which the groove has an axis is oriented to receive the ridge and the trough, and each of the cutouts has an axis of symmetry that is generally parallel and offset with respect to the groove axis.
 52. The apparatus of claim 43 in which the vibrator is a resonator.
 53. The apparatus of claim 43 which also includes an anvil, and the vibrator is positioned over the anvil.
 54. A fastener strip, which comprises: a reclosable portion including a) an elongated first backing, including a trough extending lengthwise along the first backing; and b) an elongated second backing, including a ridge extending lengthwise along the second backing, the ridge removably insertable into the trough to essentially prevent air flow across the trough; and a generally planar portion including essentially no ridge and essentially no trough; and a plug that joins the ridge of the reclosable portion and the trough of the reclosable portion at the adjacent end of the reclosable portion to the plug in an airtight seal that prevents air from leaking from the adjacent end of the reclosable portion.
 55. The fastener strip of claim 54 which comprises an essentially airtight dam that joins the plug to the first backing in an essentially airtight seal, and joins the plug to the second backing in an essentially airtight seal.
 56. The fastener strip of claim 54 in which the planar portion is essentially impervious to air flow.
 57. The fastener strip of claim 54 in which the plug is essentially impervious to air flow.
 58. The fastener strip of claim 55 in which the dam is essentially impervious to air flow.
 59. The fastener strip of claim 54 in which the at least some of the plug is located between the ridge of the reclosable portion and the trough of the reclosable portion.
 60. A fastener strip, which comprises: a reclosable portion including a) an elongated first backing, including a trough extending lengthwise along the first backing; and b) an elongated second backing, including a ridge extending lengthwise along the second backing, the ridge removably insertable into the trough to essentially prevent air flow across the trough; a generally planar portion including essentially no ridge and essentially no trough; a plug that joins the ridge of the reclosable portion and the trough of the reclosable portion at the adjacent end of the reclosable portion to the plug in an airtight seal that prevents air from leaking from the adjacent end of the reclosable portion; and a dam that joins the plug to the first backing in an essentially airtight seal, and joins the plug to the second backing in an essentially airtight seal. 